Saturday, January 30, 2021

Cover Reveal! EAT YOUR HEART OUT by Shirley Goldberg

Shirley Goldberg shares her beautiful new cover with us today. Take it away, Shirley!


Yup, it’s a Cover Reveal! 

I’m so thrilled to show off my new cover for Eat Your Heart Out, the second book in the series Starting Over.  

Two foodies, Dana and Alex, banter, sauté and tiptoe around each other. Except for the occasional smooch. What’s with that?  

I’m sharing more of Eat Your Heart Out’s details on my blog. Read the blurb and click this link https://midagedating.com/ to read an excerpt. Too soon for links, but I’m looking for ARC readers, so please keep in touch. Publication date coming soon! 

Thanks to Debbie Taylor for her cover and the team at The Wild Rose Press for all their hard work! 


Blurb for Eat Your Heart Out: 

When a tyrant in stilettos replaces her beloved boss, and her ex snags her coveted job, teacher Dana Narvana discovers there are worse things than getting dumped on Facebook. Time for the BFF advice squad, starting with Dana's staunchest ally, Alex—hunky colleague, quipster, and cooking pal extraordinaire. But when the after-hours smooching goes nowhere, she wonders why this grown man won't make up his mind. 

Alex Bethany's new lifestyle gives him the confidence to try online dating. What he craves is a family of his own until a life-altering surprise rocks his world. He knows he's sending Dana mixed messages. Alex panics when he thinks he's blown his chance with his special person. From appetizers to the main course will these two cooking buddies make it to dessert? 

Funny and bittersweet, Dana and Alex's story will have you rooting for them.

Friday, January 29, 2021

Stranger Creatures Series Blog Tour & #Giveaway!

 Today I'm hosting Christina Lynn Lambert on her blog tour with her Stranger Creatures Series. Make sure to read Christina's exclusive guest post and to enter her giveaway! 

 


Wolf's Challenge
Stranger Creatures Book 1
by Christina Lynn Lambert
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense



When Sydney left Seattle two years ago, she was scared, traumatized, and done with men for good. Now she has a good job, a hobby that’s fast becoming a second career, and best of all, she’s adopted a little girl named Angel. Life is good and Sydney’s not about to let charming lawyer Derrick mess that up, no matter how sexy he is, or how sweet he seems.

Things aren’t always as they appear in the town of Great Oaks, Virginia. Derrick isn’t the ladies’ man Sydney thinks he is, but he does have a few secrets, the least shocking one that he can transform into a powerful wolf at will.

Can Derrick convince Sydney to give him a chance, something more than her elusive maybe? More importantly, should he? He’s still trying to forgive himself for being at the wheel during the accident that killed his son. Losing Sydney when she learns the truth might break him, but he’s pretty sure not having her in his life would be just as bad.

Please note – this book contains mature language, situations and descriptive sex scenes and is intended for mature audiences only!




 
Bear's Edge
Stranger Creatures Book 2


A boss can't date her employee—simple as that. No matter how much Shayla wants to unravel a few of Grant's mysteries and take her friendship with the shy, sarcastic man to the next level, she's determined to keep her fantasies of him to herself.

After bear shifter Grant lost his girlfriend and three best friends in a fire, he did his best to shut himself off from everyone around him. Falling for Shayla wasn't part of his plan, but after a kiss that leaves them both speechless and hungry for more, Grant can't keep his desire for his boss under wraps any longer.

When things between the two of them get hotter than he could have imagined, Grant wonders if some of his darker desires will be too much for Shayla or will she embrace the needs he’s kept hidden for so long?

An obnoxious reporter and Shayla's bitter ex have teamed up to chase down conspiracy theories that could destroy Shayla's business and worse, put her life in danger. To find their happily ever after, Shayla and Grant will have to trust in each other and find a way to crush all the obstacles standing in their way.

Please note – this book contains mature language, situations and descriptive sex scenes and is intended for mature audiences only!





Tiger's Last Chance
Stranger Creatures Book 3


While working a case, Sean Whitman is tortured for information, drugged, and bitten against his will by a shape shifter. The fallout leaves him jobless, friendless, and dumped by his girlfriend. Needing a fresh start, he leaves town and opens a private investigation business. Learning to live life sober isn’t easy, but he makes it to the two year mark.

When Detective Nikki Jackson with the Great Oaks, Virginia Police Department calls him, accusing him of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house, Sean can’t help but like the sound of her voice, despite her ridiculous accusations. He’s shocked when she calls him back with an apology then asks for his help as a consultant on a case. On the phone, her sweet, slightly Southern voice captivates him. In person, she’s unlike any other woman he’s encountered, and nearly impossible to resist. But could the sexy detective ever want a man like him?

After Nikki’s last dating disaster, the mountain lion shifter has sworn off men. Then she meets Sean, and with every second she spends around the tall, dark-eyed man, her resolve crumbles. And the fact the guy’s kiss leaves her breathless? Yeah, that no-men idea sounds more and more like a bad idea. But for some reason, despite the undeniable attraction between them, Sean seems determined to push her away.

An investigation into missing refugees leaves Nikki with more questions than answers. Her refusal to let the matter drop leads her to the discovery of a radical political group’s horrifying plot for dominance. Traitors are embedded within the very organizations meant to keep shifters safe. As the list of people she can trust dwindles, Nikki calls on Sean to help her unravel a web of deceit.

Sean realizes pushing Nikki away was a stupid move. So when the sexy, amazing detective contacts him, he jumps at the second chance, dropping everything to fly across the country to help her. And he hates flying. But with her life in danger, he’ll do whatever it takes.

Can Sean and Nikki stop a hate group from carrying out their deadly plans? And if so, will he get one last chance to prove his love for her?

Please note – this book contains mature language, situations and descriptive sex scenes and is intended for mature audiences only!



How did you come up with the setting and concept for Wolf’s Challenge?

The beauty and vulnerability of nature was an inspiration to me when I decided on the setting for the Stranger Creatures series. In the first story of the series, Wolf’s Challenge, I imagined the hero, Derrick, having grown up near the mountains and camping under the stars. After he lost his son in a car accident and got divorced, he moved to the once desolate former factory town of Great Oaks, Virginia to get a fresh start. Sydney moved across the country to Great Oaks for a fresh start after a scary break up. The town, with its plethora of forestland and streams, was unlike the more populated cities she’d lived in before. When Derrick invites Sydney to explore some of the trails at a ruggedly beautiful park, she is inspired by the magic and mystery of the landscape. Little does she know, the wild, wonderful town she moved to is full of some strange but amazing people.

 

 Is love stronger than fear?

In Wolf's Challenge, Sydney misjudges Derrick and writes him off as someone who belongs in the friend-zone. Derrick isn’t perfect. He has a few secrets. He’s made some mistakes. Secrets have a way of destroying the keeper but the truth can destroy a relationship. Derrick wonders if Sydney would still want him if she knew all his secrets. Love is scary as hell because there are no guarantees. There is risk involved in trusting someone and I wanted to show the beautiful and heartbreaking journey from fear to courage as Sydney and Derrick embrace the risk and give in to love.

 

Tell us about your main characters- what makes them tick?

The Challenge in Wolf’s Challenge is definitely not for Derrick to try to wear Sydney down and bother her until she agrees to go on a date with him, because that kind of crap is not endearing. From the moment they meet, Derrick knows Sydney should be with him. Sydney on the other hand, wants nothing to do with him. The challenge for Derrick is to not push her, to not try to move too fast. The challenge for Sydney is that after a couple of bad relationships, she’s afraid to trust her own judgment. How can she know for sure whether Derrick is as good as he seems or if he’s a jerk in disguise, waiting to hurt her when she’s vulnerable? What I love about Derrick’s character is that he doesn’t get pushy or rude with Sydney, instead he does his best to figure out how to give her space and to try to show her he’s a good guy as they get to know each other. He wants her to be his partner in life, not a conquest to be pursued and set aside once attained.



A few years ago, I read my first romance novel and I was hooked, so much so that I decided to give the idea of writing a story a chance. Love, courage, hope, and second chances are a few of my favorite themes. My stories include a fair amount of sarcasm, suspense, steam, and violence. When I'm not writing, I enjoy spending time outside and finding ways to avoid cooking. I live in beautiful Virginia with my husband, two daughters, and a sweet, hairy monster of a dog.





Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$5 Amazon


Thursday, January 28, 2021

#BacklistThursday - BURNING LOVE

Today I'm starting a new feature on my blog where I feature books from my backlist, or occasionally other writers' backlists. First up is BURNING LOVE, my fun paranormal romance. I call it paranormal light because rather than shifters, demons and vampires, I've got angels who want to match mortals with their soulmates. BURNING LOVE came out in 2010 and was my first novella/novel with The Wild Rose Press.


Blurb: 

After causing three cooking fires in her apartment, Iris Jensen finds herself evicted and homeless. She lands on Riley Benson's doorstep, looking to rent a room in the beautiful old home he's restoring. It's only for six weeks until Iris leaves Portland, Oregon for her new job on a cruise ship. Firefighter Riley knows firsthand what a bad tenant she can be. But he needs money to finish the work on the house he loves. And something about Iris pulls at his heart…
Meanwhile, in Heaven, two angels watch over the young lovers. Angelica and Hildegard work in Heaven's Relationship Division, where angels match mortals with their soul mates. The angels believe so strongly in Iris and Riley’s love that they break Heaven's rules to help them. Can the angels convince them their love will last a lifetime?

Excerpt:

“Renting the room to you is starting to look like one of the smartest things I’ve done lately,” he said with a smile.

Without thinking she set the boxes on the fridge and took his hand. “I’m serious, Riley. I don’t mind telling you how scared I was. Whiskers and I came very close to sleeping on a bench in the park with the other vagrants. So, thank you.”

Riley gently brushed his fingers across her cheek, sending a rush of desire coursing through her body. “You’re welcome. But I know you would have been okay, even if I hadn’t rented you the room. You’re a strong girl.”

Iris didn’t feel very strong at the moment. In fact, she felt as weak as a kitten, and just as vulnerable. She let go of Riley’s hand and gave a shaky laugh.

“Yeah, that’s me. Strong as a marshmallow.” She picked up the boxes of food and turned away, afraid to look him in the eye and make a fool of herself.

“Hey, what’s this?” Riley asked. Iris turned to see him staring at her calendar.

“That’s just a little visual reminder for me. Only five more weeks until I hit the sunshine and you get rid of me.”

Instead of laughing the way she thought he would, Riley continued to stare at the calendar.

“Right,” he said. “Only five more weeks.”

She wanted to ask him if he was okay, but something in his voice stopped her. Surely, he wouldn’t miss her?

Buy Links:

BUY: The Wild Rose Press | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B & N | Bookstrand | Google Play | Kobo US | Kobo CA | iBooks | Walmart

BUY in Print: Amazon | Amazon.UK

Buy in Audiobook: Audible.com | Audible.ca | Itunes

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Winter Games Reader Challenge

The Winter Games Reader Challenge is here!

If you love to read, Winter Games is for YOU! A one month Reader Challenge with parties, prizes, signed print books, and what you love best–– 50+ FREE BOOKS.

PLUS, you'll meet some amazing authors and party with them in a live Q & A!

WE promises to give you an amazing experience.

To participate as a Winter Games Reader, you MUST fill out the Official Sign up Form. It's FREE, so click now and join us.

Click here to Join!

Saturday, January 16, 2021

#OnSale for #99Cents: THE GIRL MOST LIKELY

 My contemporary romance, THE GIRL MOST LIKELY, is on sale for .99 cents until January 22. Pick up your e-copy of this May/December romance with a twist!

Cara McLeod, the girl most likely to have the perfect marriage, is now divorced and, in her own words, “fat, frumpy, and over forty.” The thought of facing former classmates—and the ex-husband who dumped her—at her high school reunion terrifies her. Cajoled into attending by her kids and her best friend, Cara enlists help at the gym to lose weight and look great for the reunion. Personal Trainer Finn Cooper is more than willing to help—but does he have to be so to-die-for gorgeous?

Finn thinks Cara is perfect just the way she is. She’s everything he wants in a woman, except for one thing—she can’t get past the fact that he's eight years younger. To Finn, age and weight are just numbers. But can he convince Cara the numbers she worries about add up to only one thing for him—love?

Excerpt:

“I think you’re beautiful. You know that, don’t you?”

No, she really didn’t know that, but she nodded anyway. What happened when he woke up one morning and realized that she had a few more lines on her face? Would he still think she was beautiful or would he tire of her, just as Peter had? 

“Are you sorry about last night?” 

Her head rose sharply. He looked away, not meeting her gaze. However mixed up she felt this morning, she couldn’t let Finn believe he’d somehow failed her. Setting her mug on the night table on her side of the bed, she caressed his unshaven cheek.

“Of course I’m not sorry. I loved our night together. Don’t mind me, Finn. I’m in a mood this morning.”

He tugged at her sheet once more. “Then let go of the sheet and let me hold you before I have to go.”

Cara held her sheet tighter. It was one thing to get undressed in the dark and another to let him see her body in the cruel light of day. “No, please. I’d rather not.”

Would he look at her in the cold morning light and see all her imperfections, her scars, her forty-three years of living? Would he look at her and want to trade her in for a newer model?

Buys Links:

Amazon  ~  Barnes and Noble  ~  iBooks 

Friday, January 15, 2021

#NewRelease - GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE by Cynthia Terelst

 Cynthia Terelst is my guest today and she's here with a brand new release, GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE. Love the title! Cynthia is offering a giveaway, so make sure you enter. Thank you for being here, Cynthia!

 



Get off Your High Horse
Love Down Under Book 3
by Cynthia Terelst
Genre: Contemporary Royal Romance


When two opposites collide, will their differences ignite a spark or send them into turmoil?

Frankie and Sebastian live totally different lives. Lives that are entwined through polo, the sport of kings.

Frankie’s a country girl, working hard toward her dream of turning the family farm around. She needs to endure one more polo season to make that happen. She has no interest in high society or the rich, arrogant riders she has to deal with, especially Sebastian. Her heart may be softening to his charm, openness and love of working with horses, but her brain won’t be convinced. She looks forward to her summer break on the farm, away from him, until her parents decide to invite Sebastian to stay.

Sebastian descends from royalty. Rich and arrogant come with his family title. But that status is something he’d rather avoid, just like he avoids returning home to a life he doesn’t want. Sebastian sees a freedom in Frankie he wishes he had. Her life is full of love, family and horses; something he can only dream of. And her, he can dream of her. But a dream is all it will be, seeing as Frankie does her best to avoid him.

If only he can convince her to look past his title, and see that his hopes and dreams aren’t so different from hers.



Sebastian

“Princes have many talents I’m sure you’re not aware of.”

“Such as?” She turned to face me; her body so close I could feel her breasts pressing against my chest.

“We like to roll around under the covers as well.”

“Is that so?” Her breath brushed against my lips. Her body pushed against mine, sending electricity through me. I imagined her standing there in her lace bra and matching knickers. I wrapped one arm around her back pulling her tightly against me. The other cupped the back of her head, tangled in her pony tail. Her lips met mine and opened and I sought out her tongue. Her hands found their way around my back and held tight.

I couldn’t let her go. I wouldn’t. I’d wanted to kiss her like this for months. This was so much better than what I’d imagined. My erection pressed against her. I deepened the kiss, holding her tight. She sighed into my mouth.

I shouldn’t have kissed her. I shouldn’t have invited her down the road of misery I would soon be facing. Only one of us should have a broken heart.



Cynthia Terelst is a project officer by day and a writer by night. She is a contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Cynthia does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.

She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year.




Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon 

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

#NewRelease-THE QUEEN OFF EMERALD FALLS by J.J. DiBenedetto

 J.J. DiBenedetto is showing off his new release, THE QUEEN OF EMERALD FALLS, on my blog today. Don't forget to enter J.J.'s giveaway. Welcome!

 

The Queen of Emerald Falls
by J.J. DiBenedetto
Genre: Romantic Comedy


She's spontaneous, passionate and has a habit of mangling the English language.

He's calm and controlled and always has the perfect thing to say in every situation.

If their differing personalities were the only obstacle, they'd probably have smooth sailing. Unfortunately, things aren't that simple in the town of Emerald Falls, and life keeps throwing curveballs at Sheryl Jones and Dr. Jon Hardy.

If they're going to find true love, they'll have to deal with Sheryl's archenemy trying to destroy her business, and Jon's interfering brother showing up to try and ruin his life. And then there's the vindictive daughter of the richest man in town, not to mention a stolen vintage Rolls Royce.

Can this star-crossed couple fight their way past all the obstacles and make their way back to each other without losing their jobs, their sanity or going bankrupt in the meantime?

Romantic comedy fans will love this quirky mix of "How I Met Your Mother" and a daytime soap opera.



Who designed your book covers?

 The cover for “The Queen of Emerald Falls” was designed by Rachel Rossano (www.rachelrossano.com), who’s an author in her own right as well as a talented designer.

I initially worked with her to redesign the covers for another series of mine, the Jane Barnaby Adventures, and she did an amazing job, so I went to her again for this book.

I’m thrilled with her work, and what makes her really great to work with is, since she’s an author herself, she already knows what readers are looking for and how to create an original design that also fits what readers are looking for in each genre.

Another reason the covers are so good is that I didn’t really direct her, which is a lesson I learned with my very first book.  I worked with a very talented artist who hand-painted the cover to my specifications, and it was beautiful…and totally not right for the genre or reader expectations.  It was a hard lesson but a valuable one!


She might be gone, but she was still everywhere, in every room of the Chalet.  The place itself was a reminder of her; she’d been the one to recommend it to him when he’d grown tired of that wretched temporary apartment near the university.  

The kitchen provided no relief from thoughts of her.  The marble island brought back memories of Sheryl’s disastrous attempt to make French toast.  A glance at the espresso machine called to mind the night she’d somehow caused it to spew hot coffee all over the floor.  He still didn’t know how she’d managed that; according to the manufacturer, it was physically impossible for the machine to do what she’d made it do.

She’d made over his living room against his will, defiled his kitchen, done unspeakable things to the finest espresso machine money could buy, driven him to distraction in more ways than he could count - and yet, if she were to come walking back through his front door, Jon knew he’d most likely forget all that and kiss her as though both their lives depended on it.

He could call her.  It would be the easiest thing in the world.  And didn’t he tell his patients that most of the obstacles they complained about were of their own making, that they had the power to overcome them, that - usually, anyway - all they really had to do was get out of their own way?

He did.  And it was absolutely true.  It was also - as so many of those patients remarked at the end of sessions - far easier to tell someone else to do, than to do it oneself.


J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve university, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he's not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
J.J. is the author of the Dream Doctor Mysteries, the Jane Barnaby Adventures and several other works.




Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$15 Amazon giftcard,
Signed paperback + audiobook & usb with all of the author's books on it
-1 winner each!
 

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

D.V. Stone and The Agent Carter series: Middle Grade Books

I'm happy to welcome back author D.V. Stone. I thought D.V. was strictly a romance writer, but it turns out she has other hidden talents. The Mystery at High Pointe Tower is her second book in the Agent Carter series for Middle Grade readers. Welcome D.V., and congrats on your new release!


The Agent Carter Series backstory

Several years ago, while enjoying a Christmas concert, my young nephew crawled over several laps to get to me. 

“Do you write books,” he asked.

I replied, “I do.”

“Then I want you to write one about me.” He propped his chin in his hand. “And I want to ride a motorcycle and have a long mustache.”

“Okay.”

I never thought about being a writer of mid-grade books, but here we are at my second release. I hope you enjoy reading about Agent Carter and his cohorts. If you sign up for my newsletter, you can get the link to download the first Agent Sam Carter, The Mystery At Branch Lake

Newsletter


D.V. Shares Five of Her Favorite Things:

1. Favorite author? In Juvenile fiction, it would be JK Rowling, The Harry Potter series, in a horse race with Christopher Paolini of the Inheritance Cycle and C.S. Lewis the Chronicles of Narnia.

2. Water, pop or juice? Can I admit to Yoohoo?

3. Movies: romantic comedies, thriller, or horror? Got a different favorite? I am a total Avengers Geek with Guardians of the Galaxy as my favorite.

4. Chocolate or caramel? Uhm, neither I’m a vanilla lover

5. Country life or city life? I love the great outdoors. We are Glampers and love to travel. So country, definitely.


Agent Sam Carter 

Book 2

The Mystery At High Pointe Tower

Join the gang in the second Agent Sam Carter series. Sam’s camping vacation is canceled. Strange happenings at the High Pointe Tower are going to take all his wits and skill to save the world from its latest threat. The convergence of the Dragon Aurora and volcanic eruption tears a hole between the dimensions trapping a paranormal creature on earth side. But as usual, nothing is as it first appears.

Goodreads Giveaway

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NC6XZR9


Author Bio:

 D. V. Stone is a multi-genre author, both traditional and independently published. A weekly blog host of Welcome to the Campfire and A Peek Through the Window. She reviews books and shares her favorites in a monthly newsletter.

D. V. is a full-time employee in a medical office, wife to an amazing husband, mother to one son, and not your average grandma to three beautiful grands. A woman of faith, she trusts and believes in God.

When not behind the wheel of my camper, 2Hoots—a 41 foot long 13.2 feet high 5th Wheel, she tools around Northern New Jersey in her white Camaro named Snowball. Her greatest pleasures are spending time outside with friends and family, cooking over the open fire, owls, and reading.

Hali, her rescue dog, always reminds everyone, “Woof, woof.” Which is loosely translated. Support your local animal rescue.

 

You can find out more about D. V. by following her on Social Media

Website  Amazon Author Page  Facebook  Twitter   Instagram

Pinterest          Bookbub        Goodreads      Newsletter

 

Blogs

 

Welcome to the Campfire Blog          Peek Through the Window    

 

Books by

D. V. Stone


Rainbow Sprinkles

After the storm come the rainbows.


Amazon  Barnes & Noble   iBook’s

 

Rock House Grill

One man’s choices. One woman’s Impact


Amazon           Barnes & Noble          iBook’s      Google Books      Kobo

 

Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar

One foolish thought. One brutal act. Instead of a peaceful alliance––war.

Amazon


Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake

Amazon - The Mystery At Branch Lake

Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery At High Pointe Tower

A Mid-grade paranormal

  Amazon - High Pointe Tower

 

Contributing Author

Australia Burns

Amazon